Public Safety and Security Practices in Dam Operations
Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 09/30/2026 at 6:00 AM (MDT)
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Register
- Non-member - $1,095
- Member - $895
This comprehensive two-day workshop focuses on integrating public safety and security practices into dam operations through a structured risk management approach. During the first full day, participants will engage in classroom sessions covering legal responsibilities, policy development, risk assessment methods, hazard identification, and practical strategies for reducing public safety and security risks at dam facilities. Emphasis will be placed on understanding how operational decisions, infrastructure design, and site conditions influence public safety outcomes. On the second day, participants will attend a half-day field tour of Morgan Falls Dam to observe physical security measures, public safety features, and operational considerations. The workshop will conclude with a classroom discussion to synthesize observations from the tour and reinforce how risk-informed practices can be applied.
Overall Learning Outcomes
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Explain the legal and operational responsibilities of dam owners, operators, and engineers related to public safety and security
- Describe the components of effective public safety and security programs, including policies, plans, and procedures
- Identify common public safety hazards and security vulnerabilities associated with dam infrastructure and operations
- Apply systematic approaches to assessing public safety and security risks at dam facilities
- Evaluate physical security and public safety measures used to reduce risk and protect the public
- Interpret field observations from a dam site to support risk-informed decision-making
- Develop practical recommendations to improve safety and security performance at their own facilities
Target Audience
The target audience for this training includes dam owners, operators, engineers, and safety and security professionals responsible for the management, maintenance, and oversight of dam infrastructure. Additionally, individuals involved in risk assessment, emergency planning, and regulatory compliance for dam facilities would benefit from attending this workshop.
16PDHs
Location:
Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center
800 Spring St NW, Atlanta, GA 30308
2 days in person, breakfast and lunch included
Hotel Booking Link - http://bookings.ihotelier.com/bookings.jsp?groupID=5129255&hotelID=75983
Non-smoking King/Queen bedding accommodations have been blocked for this group. Please note that all guestrooms are non-smoking.
For any other requests or inquiries, please enter this information within the appropriate request boxes during the reservations process or call the hotel directly by calling (800) 706-2899 or (404) 838-2100.
Booking Deadline: 09/08/2026
William (Bill) Foos, MBA, CPP, PSP
Senior Director, Vice President Security and Safety Services
GFT Infrastructure
EDUCATION: Mr. Foos holds a Master of Business Administration from Campbell University, from North Carolina; and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska.
CERTIFICATIONS/HIGHEST AWARD:
Lieutenant Colonel (Retired), Military Police, US Army Reserves
Highest Award: Bronze Star
EXPERIENCE: Bill has more than 40 years of experience with security and safety-related issues. He brings 24 years of Critical Infrastructure related experience and expertise most notably around public safety, security, and emergency management. Bill’s expertise involves technical aspects of security principles for physical protection system. His experience also includes performing and conducting audits of threat, security, vulnerability, risk, and public safety assessment programs; developing mitigation strategies; preparing emergency response plans and continuity of operations plans; developing and leading incident response and rapid recovery planning exercises; and conducting security audits. Bill served as the Chair of the United States Society of Dams’ committee on Public Safety, Security, and Emergency Management for Dams from 2015- 2021, and currently the US delegate of the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) committee on Public Safety and Emergency Management on Dams. Most notable projects include a.) RAM-D Instructor for Sandia Labs, b.) Developer of FERC Dam Assessment Matrix for Security Vulnerability Risk (DAMSVR) c.) Security Risk Assessment of the Panama Canal, and c.) Project lead for the after-action study of the California Department of Water Resources activated Emergency Action Plan of the February 2017 Oroville Dam Spillway incident.
AFFLIATIONS: - ASIS International (ASIS)
- Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO)
- United States Society on Dams, (USSD)
- Canadian Dam Association (CDA)
- International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD)
- Association of United States Army (AUSA)
- Society of American Military Engineers (SAME)
